Does My Septic System Need Repairs?

Sewage can back up into sinks, tubs and toilets. A warning sign would be gurgling sounds in sinks, toilets or the plumbing pipes. Sewage backups happen because the septic tank gets full or you haven’t arranged for a septic tank pumping in a long time. When that happens, the wastewater that leaves your home does not get processed and backs up into your home.

There are a few possible causes of a septic tank overflow. In most cases, it is a sign that there is a need for a septic tank repair. It is most likely a septic tank pumping or the outlet pipe to the leach field is clogged. A septic tank full of water not draining can also be an issue with the distribution box.

Clogged pipes can be a cheap or an expensive repair depending on the gravity of the issue. It happens when you flush down things that clog the pipes. If the toilet is slow to flush, it is a signal that your septic tank is filling up fast with sludge and this is causing delays in the flushing process. Remember to flush only things that are septic-friendly. Never flush down coffee grounds, diapers, cooking oil, cigarettes, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, paint or chemicals.

It is best to grow plants or trees far from the septic tank and the leach field. Their roots can damage the pipes and cause expensive repairs. Wet areas around the drain line attract tree roots that like the moisture. They can enter the pipes and fill it causing the drain field to stop functioning. Septic tank repair involves using cutting blades on a rotating auger to clear the roots.

Septic pipes can get damaged from accidentally hitting a line while planting flowers, or even a third-party installing cables. A warning sign would be the grass over the septic tank and the drain field getting greener and denser than other areas. That might be because water is leaking from a damaged or broken pipe. This can be resolved by digging out and replacing the broken pipes.

Over time, solid waste accumulates at the bottom of the tank. If not pumped regularly, these solids can build up to a point where they clog the system and lead to blockages.

If the drain field is too small for the household's wastewater output, it can become overwhelmed and fail to properly treat the effluent, leading to backups and odors.